Senate vote gives DOD power to invest in biorefinieries

By LUKE GEIVER | November 29, 2012

The U.S. Senate wants the U.S.Department of Defense to invest in advanced biofuel facilities. The Senate has passed amendment 3095, issued by Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., by a vote of 54-41, giving the DOD the ability to diversify its fuel mix, according to Hagan, who spoke on the Senate floor today in defense of her amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act. Hagan’s amendment will continue to allow the DOD to invest in the construction of biorefinieries.

Michael McAdams, president of the Advanced Biofuels Association, also issued a statement on the vote. “Today’s vote was loud and clear,” he said. “The Senate once again backed our nation’s military which considers advanced biofuels as an essential tool for our nation security and energy independence.”

The Senate’s favorable vote today on the DOD’s ability to utilize biofuels and engage with the advanced biofuels industry follows another favorable vote that occurred only one day ago. By a vote of 62-37, the Senate passed an amendment yesterday that will allow the DOD to test and purchase advanced biofuels.

“Today’s successful passage of Senator Hagan’s amendment is yet another example of the strong bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate for American made renewable energy,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “This is the second successful vote in two days supporting renewable fuels and the message lawmakers are sending is clear—biofuels play a critical role in developing a diversified energy portfolio to meet our growing energy needs and increase our energy independence.

The Senate is expected to finalize the NDAA this week. The House of Representatives has not addressed the NDAA, but has similar amendments in its own version of the bill.

Earlier in the week, the Senate voted to allow the DOD to continue to test and purchase biofuels.